i have a emachines 3230, how do i format the computer?

Zoe, January 2009

I would highly suggest first backing up any information you wish to save, as Bob Smith said, it WILL wipe your drive clean. I also suggest using the second method that he suggested.

By inserting your Windows CD and rebooting, you can save yourself some steps. On rebooting, you will be presented with the option to boot from CD, do so. Follow the onscreen instructions. Make sure that you have a serial number ready to use to reinstall windows. If you've lost your key, you can recover it from your current installation using a tool called "RockXP." Google it.

When formatting, I suggest going with the NTFS partition (Windows XP or later) when presented with the option. Do not use the fast format option, which will not scan for errors on the hard disk, possibly causing you problems down the road.

As Bob Smith put it, Good luck!

Ryeguy, January 2009

You don't.

You may format the HD, but this will wipe all the information on it, including the OS (windows) so you may want to think hard about doing this.

Done thinking?

Ok, open a DOS window (Start/Run - type 'cmd' without the quotes, a little black window should pop up on your screen)
On the little black magic window type the following, without the quotes: "format c:/ -s" and press enter.
It will ask you to confirm. Answer "y" and press enter.
a few minutes later you will have a freshly formatted Hard Drive and an unusable computer.

Alternatively you may want to boot from the original Windows CD and select new install, and answer Yes when asked if you want to format the drive.

Same endgame, all information gone, HD reformatted, but at least you have a working OS.

Good luck,

Bob Smith, January 2009